Exterior projects rated most valuable home improvements

By Rose Meily, for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers

Realtors continue to rate exterior projects among the most valuable home improvement projects. According to the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, homeowners can recoup more than 78 percent of costs upon resale for such exterior projects as an entry door, siding and window replacements.

"A home's curb appeal is always critical since it's the first impression for potential buyers. That's why exterior replacement projects offer the greatest bang for the buck," says National Association of Realtors president Steve Brown.

David Tonna, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, agrees with Brown. "Exterior projects enhance a home at first glance. For many potential buyers, it can mean the difference between inquiring more about the home or moving on to check out another," says Tonna.

The 2014 report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 100 markets across the country. This report is produced annually by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, in cooperation with the national real estate group.

For the report each year, agents are asked to provide their insights into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets.

Realtors judged a steel entry door replacement as the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 96.6 percent of costs recouped upon resale. This exterior project is consistently the least expensive in the report, costing little more than $1,100 on average.

Eight of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationwide in terms of value recouped are exterior projects. A wood deck addition came in second with an estimated 87.4 percent of costs recouped upon resale.

Two different siding replacement projects were among the top 10. Fiber- cement siding is expected to return 87 percent of costs, while vinyl siding is expected to return 78.2 percent of costs.

Two garage door replacements were also on the top list. A midrange garage door replacement is expected to return 83.7 percent. An upscale garage door replacement is expected to recoup 82.9 percent of costs.

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Exterior projects rated most valuable home improvements